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Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shashi Panja on Friday slammed opposition parties over the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) protest march in Siliguri, accusing them of attempting to destabilize the state ahead of elections and questioning their commitment to democracy.
While speaking to ANI, Panja criticised the opposition for their inability to deliver during the 34-year rule in the state. She said, "These people do not believe in democracy. When their government was in power for 34 years, why did they not work then? Whenever elections approach in Bengal, TMC's rivals wake up suddenly and think that they will come to power." She further alleged that opposition parties become active only during election seasons, hoping to seize power by creating unrest. "They want to disturb the situation in West Bengal. BJP wants President's Rule. But TMC says that there will be that rule of 'Maa Maati Maanush'...If you attempt to disturb law and order, you would fall into a political pit...," she added. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) cadres held a protest march towards the Uttarkanya Mini Secretariat in Siliguri on Friday evening, alleging corruption in the state and demanding employment. Police put up barricades to stop them and used water cannons, along with tear-gas shells, to disperse the protestors. The police also carried out a flag march in Siliguri. Protester Ratna Choubey said, "The youth were taking out a peaceful march. We were present with them. The manner in which the Police resorted to a lathi charge. Male Police personnel beat up women protesters. Minakshi (of DYFI) was arrested. There was no violence from our end, it was all peaceful...The youth were protesting against unemployment. Police had information about this, but they were stopped. Corruption is a major issue in West Bengal." She further said that tea gardens are going to be closed. "Tea garden labourers are not getting proper wages. Corporates are taking control over it," she added. Rakesh Singh, DCP of Siliguri Metropolitan Police, said, "The situation is completely under control. It is peaceful now. The regular movement of traffic will resume shortly." Earlier, BJP workers in Kolkata staged a protest against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government on March 22, opposing a recently introduced bill that permits women to work in bars. (ANI)
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